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Lac Bleu, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Lac Bleu is a charming mountain lake in the Midi-Pyrenees region of Southwestern France. It is also known as Lac Bleu de Lesponne, because it overlooks the Lesponne Valley. Lac Bleu was originally named Lac Lhecou, a pre-Celtic word for large or flat stone. Lac Bleu has an elevation of 6,486 feet and a surface area of 126 acres. Due to deep depths – its maximum depth…
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    • All About Lac Bleu, France

    Lake Locations: France - Southwestern France Region - Midi-Pyrenees Region, Southwestern France -

    Lac Bleu is a charming mountain lake in the Midi-Pyrenees region of Southwestern France. It is also known as Lac Bleu de Lesponne, because it overlooks the Lesponne Valley. Lac Bleu was originally named Lac Lhecou, a pre-Celtic word for large or flat stone.

    Lac Bleu has an elevation of 6,486 feet and a surface area of 126 acres. Due to deep depths – its maximum depth is 397 feet – the body of water is characterized by an intense shade of blue, thus earning its name. Water is siphoned out of the lake and into the Ardour River, which provides canals and waterways that are crucial to proper irrigation and efficient transportation in the region.

    There is plenty to do around Lac Bleu and the surrounding Pyrenees region, particularly hiking. The best time for trekking is during May to October, when hikers enjoy the Lac Bleu circuit – which can be tackled with or without a guide. Another hiking trail from the Chiroulet hamlet leads to the lake and takes about two and a half hours; the return trip leads past the Ouscouanou waterfall and Lake Ourrec.

    Many more hiking trails abound in the Lac Bleu area, and the longest and most intense is undoubtedly the Haute Randonee Pyrenee. This challenging path leads from one side of the mountain range to the other, ending at the Atlantic Ocean. The Grand Randonee is a slightly easier version of a similar route, passing from the Meditteranean to the Atlantic through the Pyrenees. Circular wall cliffs are also worth seeing, most notably Cirque de Gavarnie and Cirque de Troumouse. Adventurers of all ages love the cable cars at Lac de Fabreges, a nearby lake. The cables lead to the mountain peak known as Pic de la Sagette, revealing phenomenal vistas en route.

    Other activities around Lac Bleu include parasailing and canyoning. Guided pony trekking and horseback riding tours are available for equine lovers. During the springtime, white water rafting is possible when the snow melts down the valley. Mountain biking and road cycling are popular summer activities; oftentimes a knowledgeable tour guide can make the experience more smooth and relaxing than trying it on your own. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the most popular things to do in the wintertime.

    Pyrenees National Park can be found to the south and the west of Lac Bleu. The reserve is brimming with beauty and wildlife, including brown bears. Bird watching for lammergeirs – intelligent birds nicknamed “bone breakers” for their capacity to drop bones from high altitudes in order to get to the marrow. You’ll also find griffon vultures, red and black kites.

    Massif du Pibeste is another nature reserve close to Lac Bleu. The nearby Lac de Puydarrieux was named a Natura 2000 site for its populations of common cranes and great white egrets. It is not atypical to see six to eight hundred of these majestic birds socializing at the lake at sunset. Also close by is the Naturelle de Neouvielle (RNR), France’s first protected zone established in 1935. Outdoor lovers might try camping at the preserve near Lac d’Oredon.

    On the Spanish-French border, Mont Perdu is an incredible natural mountain near Lac Bleu. The third highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees range, it boasts an altitude of 10,997 feet. Trekking peaks include Pic du Montaigu, at 2,339 meters, and Pic du Midi du Bigorre, at 2,877 meters. The latter peak features a world-renowned observatory for stargazing. Daredevils looking for something more intense can try La Grande Fache (3,005 meters) and the Balaitous (3,114 meters).

    Bagneres de Bigorre is a small town to the northeast of Lac Bleu. Its streets are lined with charming cafes, boutiques and spas, and the city shuts down for a fantastic fireworks display every year on Bastille Day.

    North west of Lac Bleu, Lourdes has a rich history going back to the 8th century, during the reign of Charlemagne. Many Catholics make pilgrimages to the nearby town of Lourdes, where Bernadette Sobirous purportedly had 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary back in 1858. Since that time Lourdes has attracted many wounded, sick and suffering Christians looking for miracles and inspiration.

    Visitors never fail to be amazed at Lac Bleu’s irresistible charm, and it comes as no surprise that vacation rentals and holiday cottages can be found in the Lac Bleu area. Here you’ll find nothing but peace, tranquility and inspiration.

    Things to Do at Lac Bleu

    These are some activities in the Lac Bleu, France area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Parasailing
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Waterfall
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Park
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    More Sites to Book a Lac Bleu Vacation

    Our interactive Lac Bleu lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lac Bleu Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Surface Area: 126 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 6,486 feet

    Maximum Depth: 397 feet

    Lac Bleu Map

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